A single-phase motor that consists of a running winding, starting winding, and centrifugal switch. The reactance difference in the windings creates separate phases, which produce the rotating magnetic field that starts the rotor.

Fine, insulated copper wire in a single-phase motor that receives current in the motor at startup. When the motor reaches 60-80% of th full load, the starting winding is disconnected and the running winding remains in the circuit.

A motor with a continuous series of three overlapping AC cycles offset by 120 degrees. Three-phase power is used for all large AC motors and is the standard power supply that enters homes and factories.